Work Box
ca. 1815 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood.
Ownership & Use
This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk.
People
We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A.
Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood.
Ownership & Use
This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk.
People
We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 16 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Wood, covered with morocco leather, with brass fittings; lined with printed silk; objects inside of various materials |
| Brief description | Work box, English, ca. 1815 |
| Physical description | Casket-shaped work box covered with red leather, with brass lion mask and ring handles, and four brass lion-paw feet. The lid is lined with padded silk printed with an engraving representing a crowned and seated Britannia, with a figure representing Commerce presenting her with a tribute. The work box contains fittings and a drawer in the lower part. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Fitted work boxes were made from about 1800, replacing the chatelaines and embroidered bags or pockets in which women had previously kept their sewing and embroidery tools. Small items for needlework, such as the pin cushion in this box, made popular gifts and souvenirs.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by H.M. Queen Mary |
| Summary | Object Type Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood. Ownership & Use This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk. People We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.13:1 to 16-1929 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
